Brazil, South America's largest and most populous country, is known for its effervescent music and dance, famous white sand beaches, and rainforests. A country of diverse cultures, Brazil's customs take their cues from African, European, and Brazilian traditions. Spirited samba sprang from Rio de Janeiro and serves as the country’s national music and dance style. Within this lively environment, the Portuguese-speaking Brazilians showcase their playfulness through celebrations, plates laden with flavorful fare, and a welcoming peck on the cheek. Behind the delightful culture is a booming economy and social landscape that can enrich anyone's study experience. A bit beyond the city limits, Brazil has natural wonders and animals that transport its visitors to what feels like another world. Case in point: pink dolphins!
Study abroad was a transformative experience for me because it broadened my perspective of the world. I wanted to learn conversational Portuguese and found a passion for learning a new language. I returned and immediately signed up for Portuguese because there is life beyond the classroom and the US. Study abroad helped me see a future where borders or languages do not limit me.
My goal was to learn more about Brazilian culture and history, something that is important to me as a Latin American and Latino Studies and Sociology double major. Being in a classroom with students from outside of California contributed to memorable experiences because we were all so different. We learned things about each other, our cultures, and our home countries. Each individual brought their own ideas and perspectives and the classroom was engaging and interactive. I also learned by exploring different parts of Rio, talking with locals, and trying different foods and activities.